Polystyrene Recycling: Environmental Impact of Foamex EPS

Foamex continues to lead the charge on polystyrene recycling in Australia, extending their waste management systems to ensure that their world-class innovations come hand-in-hand with sustainability. Aiming for zero polystyrene waste, the Victorian company follows all the recommended polystyrene distribution responsibilities as stated in the Pod Code of Practice, and has built four recycling facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.

What is Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)?

Expanded Polystyrene, or EPS, is an extremely light yet rigid versatile polymer made of beads of polystyrene resin, derived from petroleum-based liquid hydrocarbons or styrene monomer. Actual EPS sheets are forty times the original volume, formed via several processes (like hot wire cutting or lamination) after final moulding and steaming.

Unlike traditional polystyrene professionals, Foamex observes a gold-standard of sustainability in the manufacture of their polystyrene products. Made from non-CFC expansion agent pentane, Foamex EPS is produced and used without harming the ozone layer. It is also known for its excellent insulation property that reduces the use of environmentally degrading heating or cooling systems.

Foamex Polystyrene Recycling

Today, industry professionals are highly recommending the use of EPS because of its reliable properties, leading to its increased manufacture of approximately 45,000 tonnes every year. Misunderstood as an immediate waste after use product, plus lack of knowledge about polystyrene recycling, many polystyrene products are sent to landfill, potentially damaging water resources and air quality.

Committed to reducing the amount of polystyrene waste sent to landfill in Australia, Foamex has made considerable progress in solving this issue through polystyrene recycling. The team responsibly delivers EPS products and works closely with clients to guide them toward proper disposal. Foamex picks up unused or clean EPS waste, transports it to the manufacturing facility, and granulates it into new products.

Through extensive product research and development to improve polystyrene recycling, Foamex also came up with new-age ways to recycle EPS sheets. DIY innovative ideas include creative vases, laptop cases, miniature designs, dog houses, garden filler, and more.

For further inquiries, contact Foamex or head over to www.foamex.com.au.